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Thinking Forward and Backwards: How to Become a Rational Thinker
A super mental model for thinking clearly
As humans, we naturally tend to think forward and live in the moment. This can be a significant problem when planning for the future.
It’s so much easier to put off decisions because the consequences seem so far away. But, the consequences will catch up with you.
The best way to avoid this is by thinking backwards and forward.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future,” says Steven Jobs.
Thinking backwards means going back through your life and reflecting on lessons learned and how they can positively influence your future.
Thinking backwards provides you with insight into your own life and sets better goals for your future.
Thinking forward means considering your current situation, looking at what it would take to get to where you want to go, and then taking actionable steps towards making that happen.
